Recently, Select Education Group, which includes the Institute of Technology, National Holistic Institute, Bauman College, Fremont University, and Arch USA, experienced a significant data breach. As an organization dedicated to enhancing the workforce through quality education and support, this incident has undoubtedly affected many individuals connected to these institutions. For more information about the company, you can visit Select Education Group's website.
The unauthorized access to the company's computer systems occurred around November 5, 2023. During this incident, personal information such as names, social security numbers, billing and payment records, and academic records were exposed. It is important to note that, to date, there has been no reported misuse of the information accessed.
In response to this event, Select Education Group has taken several steps. They have engaged with law enforcement and external cybersecurity experts to investigate the breach and are working diligently to strengthen their computer networks to prevent future incidents.
If you believe you have been affected by this data breach, there are several actions you can take. First and foremost, Select Education Group is offering complimentary credit monitoring services for twelve months through Cyberscout, a TransUnion company specializing in fraud assistance and remediation services. To enroll in these services, please follow the instructions provided in the Notice to Consumers, ensuring you do so within 90 days from the date of the letter.
Monitor Your Credit Reports: Obtain your free annual credit report from each of the three major credit reporting companies at AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
Place Fraud Alerts: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This will require creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts.
Place Security Freezes: Consider placing a security freeze on your credit reports to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission.
Monitor Account Statements: Keep an eye on your financial account statements and immediately report any suspicious activity to the institution.
Educate Yourself: Learn more about identity theft and protection by visiting the Federal Trade Commission's identity theft website.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Notice to Consumers provided by Select Education Group. If you have further questions or concerns, a dedicated support team is available at 1-833-961-6732, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm EST.
The data breach disclosure was made to the California Attorney General's office, and the full report can be found on the California Attorney General's website.
Remember, it is vital to act quickly to protect your personal information. By following the recommended steps and utilizing the resources provided, you can help safeguard your identity and credit.